In a city overflowing with Thai restaurants, many try to stand out by putting a contemporary spin on local flavours. But that’s not the approach at Jim’s Terrace. Instead of reinventing the wheel, this spot leans into tradition, offering a menu devoted to Thai comfort food that feels both refreshingly honest and warmly nostalgic.
Located on the second floor of the Jim Thompson Flagship Store at One Bangkok, this venue marks a departure from Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant. Though both are helmed by the same executive chef, Wichian ‘Lek’ Trirattanavatin, the two establishments follow very different visions. Here, he doesn’t chase contemporary twists. Instead, he embraces the time-honoured recipes many Thais grew up with – the kind you’d find at the street-side eatery – and brings them into a stylish, sit-down setting without losing their soul.
Sure, the dishes might not look exactly like what you’d find at a local stall, as they’re a lot more polished. But the heart of each plate is still the same. Take sai krok Isan, for example, that classic fermented pork sausage you often see sizzling on street corners across the Big Mango. Chef Lek gives it an upgrade by using fragrant garlic from Phetchaburi and top-quality jasmine rice from Sisaket. It’s served with all the familiar sides such as fresh cabbage, ginger, peanuts and herbs – just the way you remember it, only a little more dressed up.
When it comes to Thai classics, you just can’t skip curry. And chef Lek doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find tom kha gai made with tender Korat free-range chicken in a rich coconut and galangal broth with local mushrooms, fragrant Bang Chang dried chili and a sprinkle of fresh coriander on top.
Then there’s moo palo, a slow-braised pork belly stew made with kurobuta and served with an organic duck egg. The broth is deeply aromatic, thanks to Jim Thompson’s signature seven-spice blend, with black and green cardamom adding that warm, lingering depth.
To finish the meal, there’s a good selection of desserts to choose from. But the bread with ice cream and Thai red syrup is worth trying. It’s soft bread topped with the homemade ‘ice cream of the day’ and drizzled with sweet, sticky red syrup. It’s such a simple treat, but it brings back those sweet childhood memories.
Overall, Jim’s Terrace One Bangkok offers a welcoming setting for sharing meals with family or loved ones. However, for those unaccustomed to spicy food, it’s worth noting that the menu remains faithful to traditional tastes. Guests with a low spice tolerance may wish to proceed with caution.